A natural gas explosion rocked a residential neighborhood in Westerville early Tuesday morning, destroying one home, damaging four others, and prompting the evacuation of approximately 200 residents within a six-block radius. No fatalities were reported, though three people were treated for burns and respiratory injuries at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital.
Columbus Fire Department crews were dispatched at 5:22 a.m. after multiple calls reported a loud explosion and visible fire in the 400 block of Sunbury Road. Upon arrival, firefighters found the structure fully engulfed in flames and immediately established a safety perimeter. Columbia Gas crews were contacted and arrived within 30 minutes to shut off gas service to the affected zone.
Battalion Chief Sandra Ware confirmed that the blast originated from the basement of the home, where an apparent gas leak had accumulated overnight. “The preliminary indication is a significant natural gas accumulation that ignited from an unknown source,” Ware said. “We are treating this as a gas-related incident pending a formal investigation.”
Neighboring homes sustained structural damage including blown-out windows, damaged siding, and compromised foundations. The Ohio Red Cross was activated to assist displaced residents, setting up a temporary shelter at Westerville North High School. By Tuesday afternoon, approximately 60 residents whose homes required safety inspections before reoccupation remained at the shelter.
Columbia Gas of Ohio issued a statement expressing sympathy for affected residents and pledging full cooperation with investigators. The utility company has assigned a dedicated team to assess the integrity of gas lines throughout the neighborhood and will complete safety inspections on all structures before restoring service. Residents are urged to report any smell of gas immediately by calling Columbia Gas at 1-800-344-4077.
City Council Member Tanya Hammond, whose district includes the affected neighborhood, visited the site Tuesday afternoon. “This community is strong, and we will make sure our residents get the support they need to recover,” Hammond said. She announced plans to request an expedited City Council hearing on utility infrastructure safety standards in older residential neighborhoods.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office are expected to complete their preliminary assessment by end of week. A final report is not expected for several weeks. Residents with damaged property are encouraged to contact their insurance providers immediately and document all damage with photographs before cleanup begins.
